The iconic Norwegian duo, Marit Larsen and Marion Raven, broke the internet back in October 2024 when they announced the surprise comeback of M2M. Their return marks not just a revival of beloved classics but also a celebration of friendship, growth, and timeless music as they get ready to embark on their highly anticipated Asia tour.
Since their split in 2002, both Marit and Marion have carved their own musical paths—Marit with her folk-inspired melodies and Marion with her rock-infused anthems. Their reunion is not just about music; it’s a full-circle moment, a reminder of the bond that made them one of the most beloved duos of their time.
We recently spoke to Marit and Marion virtually about how M2M defined an era, their different songwriting process, advice for aspiring singers, their music evolution and what fans can expect for their upcoming concert. Scroll down to read our exclusive interview:
What was the conversation like when you guys were planning this reunion?
Marion: Marit ended up coming to my place because I live nearby, and I think we were talking for four to five hours, and we hadn’t talked for almost 20 years. We were updating each other on our respective families, plus we both have kids now, so there were so many things we had to catch up on.
Then we also realized that there were so many people still listening to our music. And we were shocked. It was like over a million streams every month. I think Marit was just on her way out the door. And we were like, okay, should we do this?
Marit: You know, that’s the weird thing about this; it was something outside of us. It was also meant to happen because we started noticing all these coincidences that fell into place at the same time, like our 25th anniversary year coming up.
And also, you know, our song “The Day You Went Away” fell on a Sunday last year. All these little signs. So we just looked at each other and agreed, ‘I guess this is it, huh?’
You guys have very different music tastes at the time as well. How has that evolved over the years and will we get to hear some of your personal records on the tour?
Marion: When we first went solo, we were really, really different. But I think my music has changed a lot. The newest music I’ve made from the last 10 years have not been rock. It’s gone back to more of the songwriting pop genre. So I feel like we are more similar now than we were then.
In working on this concert, we have chosen a few hit singles from our solo careers but it’ll have more of an M2M sound so it goes well with the rest of the concert. No matter if it was wrapped in like a folky sound or more rock, it’s always just been about trying to write really good songs.
We were only 15 – 16 years old when we wrote “Don’t Say You Love Me”, you know? It’s about good songs and good stories. Of course, now our voices are combined again. That’s the unique sound of M2M.
I wonder if your songwriting process has changed over the years.
Marion: Well, for me, it’s always been about the lyrics first. I remember even with M2M, I always came up with lyric ideas. So that’s always been my go-to, and it’s still the same. It always starts with the lyric.
Marit: For me, it’s always the music – usually the music and the title. The title jumps out of the melody very early, and then that title informs the rest of the song.
What stage of the concert planning are you at now? Is there a complete setlist already?
Marion: The set list is complete. And we have the whole week of practicing with our band. So now we’re just practicing at home because we have to learn a lot of the songs again, on piano and guitar. And then we have this big rehearsal on 1st April.
Marit: Then we officially start pre-production, which is like the hardcore part of prep. But yeah, we’re in it. This whole year is going to be about M2M. So yeah, we’re deep in it.
Are there any things you have to train for, such as your stamina? What are your biggest challenges?
Marit: Because we both had really long careers, we’ve worked up a lot of stamina for the last 20 years. So what’s new here is that we’re back together, and we’re doing this kind of repertoire. And it feels so fresh and new and also deeply nostalgic- there’s a lot of feelings.
Marion: But I do need to start running now to build up stamina for a big stage. So I don’t get tired when I’m running back and forth. I’ll be like, (heaving), we’re expecting bigger stages than before.
Looking back at 20 years ago, the music industry has changed a lot. If you were to give advice to your younger self, what would you say to them?
Marion: Well, for the younger Marian and Mary, I think it would be to always talk to each other, and don’t listen to the business people or grown-ups around us that had their own agenda. I think my advice would be to always talk to each other, always listen to each other and be true to ourselves. Because the business is a scary place.
Have new musicians and singers seek advice in terms of creativity or about being an artist?
Marit: It’s crazy to be in a position now where we are. We are the grown-ups in the room. And we do have a lot of advice, but I think the most important thing I try to tell people is that you’re not in the rush to release an album. It feels like you’re in a rush when you’re just starting out.
You see thousands of songs being released every week and it feels like the demand for making new material is so insane. But you only have one chance to make your first record or to make a first impression. It’s really important to take your time with finding out who you want to be as an artist.
Marit: I love when people are brave and just write something and put it right out onto the internet but when you do that you’re also open for feedback right away. I feel like people it’s such a beautiful thing to protect that first golden time when you’re just writing for yourself as well. But of course, play your song to your friends.
Can we expect any new music from you guys in the future?
Marit: Well, this year, we’re focusing on our classics, the older songs. But we’ll see. We’re going to spend a lot of time together this year. So maybe we’ll write something then. We’re having so much fun.
Marion: Yeah, everything’s open right now.
If you guys were to come back with a new album, are you required to go through a big label, or do you prefer to go the independent route?
Marion: It depends, like we can do whatever we want. Yeah. That’s the freedom of it now.
Marit: So we’ll decide based on the music and what feels best for the music.
What can you recall about the last time you were in Malaysia?
Marion: It’s so many years ago, it’s like 23 years ago. So I only remember the fans in Malaysia.
Marit: There’s been so much love from Malaysia in our comments.
Marion: Yeah, when we announced that we were coming on tour. There were so many people saying, “Come to Malaysia, come to Malaysia, come to Malaysia. So we had to make it happen. So that’s why we’re playing in Malaysia on a Sunday. Because it was the only chance to make it happen.
So what can fans expect at the concert in April?
Marion: Well, we want to give them everything they want. So we are doing all the big hit songs, and we want them to sing along. So it’s going to sound really really good, and we just want to have a really nice evening. I can’t wait!
What would you like to say to your Malaysian fans?
Marion: We can’t wait to come back for our M2M concert. It’s always been our dream and we can’t wait to just see everybody in the audience and sing really loud.
M2M will be performing in Malaysia in late April. To find more on the concert details, click here.
The post M2M Interview: Marit Larsen & Marion Raven On Their Music Evolution & Upcoming Tour appeared first on Hype Malaysia.
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